Reserve your tickets for the bus from Lima to Paracas

Reviewed

on: 2021-07-28

by: Joaquín Russo

Quick Facts

  • Duration

    03 hours 30 minutes

  • Rating

  • Experience

    beaches, wildlife, petroglyphs

  • Best Price

    USD $ 23

  • Maximum comfort or class

    Good

  • Departures

    1 Direct Departure Daily

  • Recommended by

    3414 travelers

Price may fluctuate due to seasonal demand and other market-driven and regulatory events.

How to take the bus from Lima to Paracas

The red sands of Paracas, Peru

Do you want to witness the incredible Peruvian landscape between Lima and Paracas? Stop your search! You just found everything you’ll need here for a fabulous and convenient journey by bus to Paracas that in no time will have you there to see some amazing sights.

The journey on a bus ride from Lima to Paracas gives you a personal sense of the Peruvian coastal desert landscape, taking you through small towns and villages that show you the typical Peruvian life.

You will come face to face with a perspective of this exotic country, seeing places and things you didn’t know to exist.

Bus travel through Peru is a common traveling option, and with AndesTransit, it’s also easier and cheaper to organize than ever before.

Try the search bar above to quickly book your bus route between Lima and Paracas. Or perhaps you want to learn more about this awesome route first, in which case keep reading on to get your basic questions answered and some highlights to see in Paracas.

What are buses in Peru like?

If you’ve been to South America before, you’re probably already aware of just how truly varied the experience of catching a bus is throughout the continent.

But for those new to the experience, the cheapest buses (local buses), can be pretty uncomfortable. For starters, expect exceptionally basic seating. If you get to sit down at all, it will seem like you scored a throne when you look at how crowded it is with everyone around you standing.

It is not impossible to be on a bus where there are more passengers than seats, meaning that many have to stand for some or even all of the often bumpy journey.

As for toilets, air-con or other comfort facilities, you are better off not counting on any of these. On the positive side, you can rest assured that the rattling bus will mostly be drowned out by cheery folk music, so that’s something.

But don’t think that’s your only choice. If you’re after a more quiet and roomy experience, you can have that too. There are buses in which you get to definitely sit back on reclining seats, have access to an onboard toilet, maybe even a TV. The best thing is that these higher-class buses are not that expensive for typical travelers and backpackers, and you can find a convenient departure time and reserve your spot in advance online.

For any of these options, just put Lima to Paracas in the boxes at the top and click Reserve Now.

How long is the bus ride from Lima to Paracas?

Lima to Paracas is 260 km (161 miles), so it takes less than 4 hours with a bus. That is in a regular situation, but remember that in South America you should always leave some free time due to unforeseen factors, like weather or road construction.

Still, roughly 4 hours is nothing! You won't even notice the trip has started by the time it will be finishing. You’ll have plenty of daylight left to explore your destination when you arrive there.

Plus, you’ll be getting the extra benefit of exploring Peru through your bus window along the way, the sort not all travelers can boast of, and you will have experienced the entire stretch of territory connecting Lima and Paracas.

Traveling by bus is a trending style that’s becoming more common, as you gain insight into what Lima and Paracas have to offer by seeing what’s between them and connects them -- land, people, culture, tradition combined.

As a seaside city on Peru’s southwestern coast, Paracas is sometimes referred to as one of the natural main attractions. Visiting it is a good way to get a quick immersion into the real Peru.

Press the Reserve Now button above and save your ticket!

What is the cost of traveling by bus from Lima to Paracas?

In general, buses from Lima to Paracas will cost USD $20-$30 (65-98 PEN). Several factors affect the price range:

When you go

When it comes to travel, weekends and holidays are usually more expensive. In the case of bus tickets from Lima to Paracas, tickets are slightly cheaper on Monday, Thursday, and Saturday, whereas they’re slightly more expensive on Friday and Sunday. This is especially useful if you’re traveling on a budget.

When you book

If you book these tickets way in advance, you won’t have to pay a lot. Reserve as soon as you can, and avoid the sold-out bus blues.

Which Bus Carrier you Choose

We’ve already mentioned how the quality of buses considerably varies in South America. As with everything else in life, you get what you pay for!

It’s up to you. Wanna save money and have an adventure? Take the cheap bus! Want comfort (aircon, reclining seats, toilets) and no bad surprises? Take the higher-end option! Considering the price difference between buses is only around $10, it’s more a matter of your personal preference.

What are the bus schedules from Lima to Paracas?

Don’t forget that while Latin American bus systems have improved by leaps and bounds within the last decade, you still need to take several things into account.

Most importantly, try to maintain a good sense of humor as you remember that bus schedules in South America are subject to change without notice.

Furthermore, not all online booking systems have schedules that are up to date; sometimes even the bus carriers' websites are out of date.

Booking at AndesTransit solves all those problems since we go above and beyond to research alternatives for you if on-the-ground conditions have changed at the time of your purchase. So there’s no risk.

To find out the exact bus schedules between Lima and Paracas, click the Reserve Now button at the top of the page.

Where can I book bus tickets from Lima to Paracas?

In this regard, you’ve got two options:

Online

We 100% recommend booking your bus ticket this online. Why? Because the online booking option locks in your rate, it’s much more trustworthy, and it ensures you’ll always be able to pick the availability of your preferred departure time without having to make your way down to the bus office or risk misunderstanding some local version of Spanish quickly saying something to you that you don’t understand before it’s too late!

If you want to book yourself a bus ticket from Lima to Paracas, you can easily do so with AndesTransit. Rest assured that you’ll be getting a great seat at the most competitive price.

In-person

We honestly don’t recommend this option. Yes, it’s possible, but nowadays, why drag yourself all the way down to the bus office, only to find out the ticket you want isn’t available, when you could have had everything sorted in less time than it takes to walk out the door?

Travel is only becoming more popular in Peru, and the bus ride from Lima to Paracas is one of the most popular!

There are many famous stops along the way and with Lima being the bustling capital of Peru, you’ll have numerous other passengers to compete with getting a seat. So why spend your vacation time hauling yourself across the city just to stand in a ticket line?

Why book with AndesTransit?

At AndesTransit we always have something in mind: slow travel means better travel. Taking a bus is one of the most rewarding ways to experience travel through Latin America, especially Peru!

This is our primary mission at AndesTransit. We solemnly swear to find you the absolute best bus tickets throughout Latin America, at a great price.

Unlike other online booking agencies, we meticulously update all of our bus schedules to ensure they are always as accurate and updated as possible. We’re fanatical when it comes to buses in Latin America and providing our clients with the best possible experiences, arranged in the easiest possible manner.

What is the best bus from Lima to Paracas?

Several different bus carriers are known to run this route. On the booking section of our website, we don’t waste our time like other agencies giving you every bad fish in the barrel, we only give you the option to book with those that we know to provide a reliable and enjoyable experience.

You are probably thinking we have a favorite carrier, and it’s true. For years we have been working together with CDS and vouch for their consistency in standards.

Without a doubt, CDS comes miles ahead as our number one bus provider in all of Peru. When booking with AndesTransit, you’ll see that their prices are super low even compared to the other carriers.

Despite this, in our opinion CDS offers the most pampered, luxurious experience out there. All of their buses have comforting amenities: reclining seats, onboard toilets, air conditioning, and great service. CDS also offers VIP seats for a decidedly upscale experience.

What to see in Paracas

Beach in Paracas

Paracas is on Peru’s coast south of Lima and is also known as the Peruvian Galapagos, a reference to Isla Ballestas which you can get to by boat from Paracas.

Paracas is also known for its peaceful but unique beaches such as El Chaco, set on the sheltered Paracas Bay, as well as Paracas National Reserve and the extensive nearby sand dunes.

Let’s get down to the top three reasons you have to visit Paracas.

#1 - Visit the Ballestas Islands

This is without a doubt the main attraction of Paracas. You will have the opportunity to see thousands of marine species such as sea lions, pelicans, and Humboldt Penguins.

This group of uninhabited, rocky formations is home not only to sea lions and penguins but also to a lot of exciting bird species that you never ever dreamed of. Did you ever hear about the blue-footed booby, pelicans, and swarms of cormorants that nest there? Also, at a certain time of the year, you can even spot Humpback Whales.

The Ballestas Islands are 24 km off the coast of Paracas. You need to take a half-hour boat trip and plan at least half of your day here. Be prepared to witness the diverse and exciting natural world with the multilingual tour guides pointing out and describing the many different species to you.

Read more about Ballestas (as well as more of Peru’s National Park System) and book a tour here.

#2 - Go cycling in the Paracas National Reserve

You can embark on an unforgettable 30 km cycle ride around the Paracas National Reserve, which is composed of rutted desert roads, pristine bays, towering ocean cliffs, sand dunes, and even gentle hills covered in Lomas ecosystems.

If you don’t like cycling, it’s also possible to take a guided tour in a car or minibus around this region for around USD $30.

#3 - Don’t miss the Paracas Candelabra

As you have the Peruvian Galapagos with the Ballestas Islands, Paracas also has its own answer to the Nazca lines as well. It’s a relic of the ancient Paracas Culture from 200 BC. An epic geoglyph, located on the northern face of the Paracas Peninsula and so large that it can be seen from 12 miles away at sea!

Although its meaning is unknown, it is believed to represent a trident, a lightning rod of the god Viracocha who pops up in mythology all over South America. Some have suggested that it was built as a sign to sailors or even as a symbolic representation of the Jimsonweed (a hallucinogenic plant).

Conclusion

Since you are traveling from Lima, you just got the experience of how great a city it is. Now it’s the turn for Paracas to amaze you! Experience the raw nature and Pacific beaches, with two of the main protected areas in Peru: the Ballestas Islands and the Paracas National Park. They are very close, but they seem planets away!

Give yourself this time to rest, enjoy and think. Visiting Peru is a huge experience you can’t miss at least once in your life. And you should definitely consider Paracas in your schedule.

Route Map

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How long is the bus ride from Lima to Paracas?
The distance from Paracas to Lima is around 260 km (161 miles). It takes between 3 and 4 hours.
What is the cost of traveling by bus from Lima to Paracas?
Around $23. Cheaper on Monday, Thursday and Saturdays.
Where do I catch the bus from Lima to Paracas?
Reserve in advance, as carriers depart from their own offices or micro-terminals in Lima.
What are the ticket policies?
It depends on the carrier you choose, but their specific policies can be previewed during checkout or in the summaries printed on your ticket email. For a general overview, see the Ticket Policy page.

Ticket servicing by AndesTransit -- The #1 Bus and Shuttle Ticket Hub in Latin America

Why the smartest travelers choose AndesTransit

AndesTransit is the only transportation booking platform with coverage in all countries of Latin America, connecting you with more than 900 private and public transport companies, thousands of routes both popular and rare, and countless schedules to fit your needs.

Customers appreciate our bilingual team of seasoned travel experts who have deep knowledge of the terrain, cultures and subcultures, complex laws and policies, a wide personal network to the back channels of transport, and most importantly who themselves ride the bus!

To complement our physical presence in Latin America, we give our customers the benefits of a best-in-class US-based business framework, giving you the best uptime experience and most internationally accessible and trustworthy payment systems.

To get the best rates and discounts and priority support, we encourage you to sign up for one of our BusClub plans.

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